Joined from Cwmbran in 1967 and was a member of Newport's 1968-69 Welsh Championship team. Played for Newport RFC 1967-68 to 1979-80. Member of Newport side that beat Springboks in 1969. Scored Newport's only try vs New Zealand in 1973. Played 300th game at Newbridge (Cup Q/F Won 13 v 10). Equalled Roy Burnett's appearance record of 372 in 1980 to be 3rd behind Keith Poole and Ian Ford. Toured USA/Canada with 1976 Barbarians. Played for Gwent and was Welsh trial reserve. Newport RFC Chairman 1992-93 - later resigned. Son Ben played for Newport (later Ebbw Vale, Caerphilly and Cross Keys).

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On 1st September 1992 the match programme for the Newport v Hereford game carried the following article under "Moments of Rugby Pride":-

"JEFF WATKINS' GREAT TRY . . ."

"One of the proudest moments in the long playing career of Newport Rugby Club's chairman, Jeff Watkins, was when he scored a try for the club against a powerful overseas team who had previously defeated Wales and England. He achieved this coveted score against the 1973 New Zealanders who had to struggle desperately against a never-say-die Newport team led by Geoff Evans, now the club's treasurer."

" "It was a great moment for me when I crossed the All Blacks' line, and I shall never forget it," explained Jeff Watkins, who went on to make close on 400 appearances for Newport and score quite a few more important tries."

"Only four other Newport players had scored a try for the club against New Zealand. Bill Friend and George Andrews both scored tries against the 1924 All Blacks; Jack Knowles registered one against the 1935 All Blacks, and John Lane emulated this trio by getting a try against the 1954 New Zealanders."

"In the 1973 match the All Blacks were captained by Syd Going in the absence of Ian Kirkpatrick. The former was firmly shackled by Newport's back row forwards, but the tourist won 20-15 thanks to two controversial penalty goals."

"Jeff Watkins, of course, had many other proud moments, among them his selection to play for the Barbarians both in this country and Canada, gaining a Monmouthshire county cap, taking part in a Welsh international trial, and turning out for the Crawshay XV."

"But more recently he had cause to feel even more proud for to his great satisfaction he saw his son, 19 year old Ben, make his debut for Newport's first team against Cross Keys in a match at Pandy Park and go on to make further appearances for his club's first team in league and other matches."